Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund Is Platinum-Plus S ponsor Of "Eyes On Design" For Third Year

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 19, 2004) - For the third year in a row, The
Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund will serve as a platinum-plus sponsor of
Eyes on Design, the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology's (DIO) annual
fundraising event to assist and educate the blind and visually impaired. 

            The 17th annual Eyes on Design, an international celebration of
the very best in automotive design and art, will be held June 25-27, 2004,
on the grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores,
Mich.  From Indy 500 speedsters to stock cars and Formula One race cars to
hot rods, the event celebrates race car design, showcasing more than 200
vehicles in the largest and most complete display ever assembled.

            "We are honored to support the DIO's efforts to benefit the
visually impaired," said Michael Martini, president, North American Consumer
Tire O.E. Sales, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC.  "Racing is
so much a part of the rich tradition of our company, and we're pleased to
again participate in this rewarding event."

            As part of the festivities, Bridgestone/Firestone will be
hosting the VIP Hospitality area, featuring a display of concept tires as
well as performance passenger and light truck tires that are already in the
market.  And, in keeping with the theme of the show, Bridgestone/Firestone
North American Tire will also be showcasing Bridgestone tires on a Formula
One Ferrari and Champ car and Firestone Firehawk tires on an IRL car.  The
vehicles will be available for viewing throughout the three-day event.

            The Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund was established in 1952 by
The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and contributes more than $4 million
annually to charities across the country. It carries on a strong tradition
of corporate philanthropy established by company founder Harvey Firestone,
focusing its efforts on education; children and their welfare; and
environment and conservation.

            "We're entering our third year as a platinum-plus sponsor for
Eyes on Design and we couldn't be prouder of our association with this
wonderful organization," said Christine Karbowiak, chair of the
Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund.  "That we can assist the DIO in its
important work is both gratifying and important to advancing the technology
used to enhance independence for the blind and visually impaired."

            The weekend event kicks off on Friday, June 25th with "Eve of
the Eyes," an informal social event honoring the design profession and open
to the general public. The event will feature the presentation of the
Honored Design Educator Award. It continues on Saturday, June 26th with
"Vision Honored," a formal Automotive Design Banquet, which includes the
presentation of the Eyes on Design Lifetime Achievement Award, immediately
followed by "Night Vision," an after dinner entertainment gala for attendees
of "Vision Honored" and the general public.

On Sunday, June 27th the "Private Eyes Brunch" will take place, followed by
the "Eyes on Design Automotive Design Exhibition" celebrating race car
design. Automotive designers will judge entries, with crystal awards being
presented mid-day to the owners of the "Best Of" vehicles. For more
information or tickets to any of these events, call the DIO at (313)
824-EYES (3937) or visit: www.eyeson.org <http://www.eyeson.org> .

            Founded in 1972, the DIO lends the support and tools necessary
to enhance independence for the blind and visually impaired.  The
Michigan-based, non-profit organization works to develop career
opportunities in the allied health field, with the objective of supplying
trained, caring ophthalmic technicians who, through research, will find
answers to puzzling questions related to the eye and vision.

Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC, is a
subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company,
Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company.
BFNT develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and
associate and private brand tires.  The company is focused on wholesale and
original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial
vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North
America.